This week on the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O’Neil is joined by Jane Cranston, a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Tiny Transitions Therapy Consulting. Jane shares how her personal experience as a mother of a child with special needs shaped her approach to supporting families. We discuss the transition from the NICU to home, the importance of cultural humility in healthcare, and whyfamily-centered care and clear communication matter so much.

We also talk about empowering parents to trust their instincts, ask questions, and advocate for their children’s needs. Because parents deserve to be informed, respected, and included in the decisions that shape their child’s care.

Interested in connecting with Jane?

Website: Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Houston | Tiny Transitions Therapy

Instagram: tinytransitionstherapyLinkedIn: JANE CRANSTON | LinkedIn

🌍 About It’s a NICU World

It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated to supporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU and medical family.

📘 Learn more: ⁠www.itsanicuworld.com⁠

📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠and @askanicumamapodcast2024

Check out our books: It’s a NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay

🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform

📣 Support the Show:

• Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare provider
• Follow the show on Instagram: ⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠
• Leave a review

Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s a NICU World!

This week on the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O’Neil is joined by Isabelle Neza, who shares her journey through pregnancy, the unexpected premature birth of her son at just 23 weeks, and the challenges her family faced throughout their NICU experience. She opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of life in the NICU and the lessons she learned while navigating the complexities of neonatal care.

But Isabelle’s story doesn’t end when her NICU journey does. Her experience inspired her to launch Preemie Global Impact, a nonprofit focused on supporting families in underserved countries who are facing similar challenges.

Our conversation is a powerful reminder of the importance of community, advocacy, celebrating the small victories, and finding purpose in the experiences that change us.

So, whether you’re a NICU parent, a healthcare professional, an advocate, or simply someone who wants to better understand the NICU journey, I hope this conversation reminds you that even in the hardest moments, you are not alone.

Interested in connecting with Isabelle?

Website: www.preemieglobalimpact.org

Instagram: preemieglobalimpact.26

The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s a NICU World!

🌍 About It’s a NICU World

It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated to supporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU and medical family.

📘 Learn more: ⁠www.itsanicuworld.com⁠

📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠and @askanicumamapodcast2024

Check out our books:

It’s a NICU World

It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay

It’s a NICU World: Caring Beyond the NICU 12-MonthPlanner

🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform

📣 Support the Show:

• Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare provider
• Follow the show on Instagram: ⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠
• Leave a review

• 
  

Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

This week on the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host AshleyO’Neil is joined by Alexis Rhodes, a certified child life specialist and birth doula, for an honest conversation about birth, grief, NICU experiences, discharge, and what it really means to support the whole family.

We talk about preparing emotionally for birth, navigatinggrief, supporting siblings of medically complex children, and why the parent experience can sometimes get lost in the healthcare system.

Because going home doesn’t always mean the journey is over. You do not want to miss this episode.

Interested in connecting with Alexis?

Website: www.peoplemedicinellc.com

Instagram: people_medicine_llc LinkedIn People Medicine LLC: Home | LinkedIn

The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s aNICU World!

🌍 About It’s a NICU World

It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated tosupporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU andmedical family.

📘 Learn more: ⁠www.itsanicuworld.com⁠

📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠and @askanicumamapodcast2024

Check out our books: It’s a NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay

🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcastplatform

📣 Support the Show:

• Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare provider
• Follow the show on Instagram: ⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠
• Leave a review

Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

What if music could help a NICU baby regulate, connect, and heal? 🎵💛

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O’Neil sits down with music therapist Jamie Shegogue to explore how music therapy can support neurodevelopment, bonding, and emotional well-being for babies and families in the NICU.

Together, they discuss the research behind music therapy, what it can look like at the bedside, and how caregivers can use music to create meaningful moments of connection, even in the middle of a difficult NICU journey.

This is a conversation about music, connection, healing, and finding meaningful ways to care for both babies and the people who love them.

Real stories. Hard truths. Hope.

The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s a NICU World!

🌍 About It’s a NICU World

It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated to supporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU and medical family.

📘 Learn more: ⁠www.itsanicuworld.com⁠📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠and @askanicumamapodcast2024

Check out our books: It’s a NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay

🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform

📣 Support the Show:

• Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare provider
• Follow the show on Instagram: ⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠
• Leave a review

Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

🎙️ 100 EPISODES OF ASK A NICU MAMA! 🎙️

100 episodes. Wow. 🥹

Since launching in January 2024, this podcast has broughtreal stories, hard truths, and hope to families navigating life in and beyond the NICU.

Through hospitalizations, rescheduled interviews, and allthat life has brought, we made it to 100!

For this special episode, my dear friend Diamond isinterviewing me about my NICU journey, grief, and raising King Kolin. I hope you’ll listen and get a deeper glimpse into who I am and why I do what I do. 💙

🎁 FREE SHIPPING!
To celebrate, enjoy free shipping on all It’s a NICU World books through the end of Season 4.

Use code 100THEEPISODE! at checkout.

Thank you for being part of this journey! 🎧

The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s aNICU World!

🌍 About It’s a NICU World

It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated tosupporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU andmedical family.

📘 Learn more: ⁠www.itsanicuworld.com⁠

📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠and @askanicumamapodcast2024

Check out our books: It’s a NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay

🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform

📣 Support the Show:

• Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare provider
• Follow the show on Instagram: ⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠
• Leave a review

Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host AshleyO’Neil is joined Andew and Amber Vassell, who share their deeply personal story of navigating two different NICU journeys, first with their 25-weeker, Austen, and later with their 26-weeker, Aliyah.

They open up about the fear and uncertainty that comes withhaving a baby born too soon, while also trying to be present for the toddler(s) waiting for them at home. Because NICU parents don’t get to press pause on everything else.

Andrew and Amber’s story is one of love, faith, resilience, and hope, and a beautiful reminder that even in the hardest moments, you don’t have to know how the story ends. Sometimes, you just have to keep going.

Their experiences also inspired them to create NeoHaven,providing resources and support for other families navigating the NICU. You do not want to miss this conversation.

Interested in connecting with Andrew & Amber?

Instagram:

neohavenav_dynasty

The NICU Journey Guide: The NICU Journey Guide© | Navigate the NICU with Clarity — NeoHaven™

Interested in learning more about the NICU to HomeConference?

Website: NICU to Home Conference byBridging the Birthing Gap™

The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s a NICU World!

🌍 About It’s a NICU World

It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated to supporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU and medical family.

📘 Learn more: ⁠www.itsanicuworld.com⁠

📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠and @askanicumamapodcast2024

Check out our books: It’s a NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay

🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcastplatform

📣 Support the Show:

• Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare provider
• Follow the show on Instagram: @askanicumamapodcast2024⁠
• Leave a review

Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

TheNICU Journey Guide: The NICUJourney Guide© | Navigate the NICU with Clarity — NeoHaven™

What happens when motherhood asks you to hold unimaginable loss and incredible hope at the same time?

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host AshleyO’Neil is joined by Natalie Estelle, a mother whose journey through motherhood has been anything but ordinary.

In just two years, Natalie gave birth to three children. Herfirst was stillborn. Her second was a micropreemie, born weighing less than two pounds and spending time in the NICU. And her third was born full-term.

Three babies. Three very different journeys. A story filledwith grief, hope, resilience, and strength.

Natalie shares openly about navigating loss and the NICU,finding her way through the complexities of motherhood, and the moments that ultimately shaped her desire to lead, guide, advocate for, and support other NICU families.

Natalie’s story is a beautiful reminder that even afterunimaginable loss, hope can still find its way in. You don’t want to miss this conversation.

Interested in connecting with Natalie?

Website: www.mrsnatalieestelle.com

Instagram: nicumomselfcareco

Book: 52 Self-Care Tips for NICU Moms from a NICU Mom

Hardcover

Ebook

Interested in learning more about the NICU to HomeConference?

Website: NICU to Home Conference byBridging the Birthing Gap™

The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s a NICU World!

🌍 About It’s a NICU World

It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated to supportingfamilies navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU and medical family.

📘 Learn more: ⁠www.itsanicuworld.com⁠

📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠ and @askanicumamapodcast2024

Check out our books: It’s a NICU World & It’s a NICUWorld: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay

🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform

📣 Support the Show:

• Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare provider
• Follow the show on Instagram: ⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠
• Leave a review

Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O’Neil is joined by Bittany Bowman, who shares the emotional and often overwhelming experience of navigating the NICU with a baby who was born full-term, reminding us that the NICU journey doesn’t always look the way we expect. From pregnancy, IVF, and genetic testing to Ethan’s unexpected medical challenges and eventual diagnosis with the rare genetic disorder ZFX, Brittany takes us through the highs, lows, questions, and uncertainties that shaped her journey.

We talk about what it means to advocate for your child when you don’t have all the answers, learning to trust your instincts, communicating with medical providers, and finding the strength to keep going when the path ahead feels uncertain. You do not want to miss this episode!

Interested in connecting with Brittney?

Instagram: _britttlee93

Interested in learning more about the NICU to Home Conference?

Website: NICU to Home Conference byBridging the Birthing Gap™

Instagram: momandme_md

The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s a NICU World!

🌍 About It’s a NICU World

It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated to supporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU and medical family.

📘 Learn more: ⁠www.itsanicuworld.com⁠

📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠and @askanicumamapodcast2024

Check out our books: It’s a NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay

🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform

📣 Support the Show:

• Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare provider
• Follow the show on Instagram: ⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠
• Leave a review

Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

Interestedin learning more about the NICU to Home Conference?The Aska NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s a NICU World!